DriveIn
Minnesota
New Member
Joined: 06/01/2005
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I've hiked the Appalachian Trail in my younger days. I found my prefered method to get into shape was riding bike. Low impact, plenty of pumping action, and plenty of water during the ride. Eventually joined a bicycle racing team for awhile as a result. Those first two days riding really shows you how much salt you eat without knowing. We packed over 1/3 our own body weight for the appalachian trail, as we made no forages into civilization for supplies for 10 or more days. For day hiking, pack enough for 3 days if you skimp and share. Energy bars are great compact food. Just as has already been said, the water is never considered safe. At least take water purification tablets. They are lightweight additions to your pack for emergencies. A packet of lemonade mix doesn't hurt either, to kill the taste of the water purification. Pack for warm and cold weather, even in summer. One thing I found I do pack in the support vehicle, even when not hiking, are knee braces, ankle braces, wrist braces, the prefab kinds of specialized supports for emergencies for myself or others. Much quicker to apply and more compact than rolled ace bandage wraps. Don't forget the first aid kit, and ask about allergies, ect. before taking any children out of town. Very important to know these days. Nothing worse than a bee allergy and no bee kit. Peanut allergies are a problem as well when people are making up hiking foods.
I'm not always right, sometimes I take a left turn instead. It all depends on where I decide to go for the best scenery.
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texasfifthwheeler
Lubbock, TX
Senior Member
Joined: 01/29/2005
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Good Sam RV Club
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we live to backpack and hike. my husband and i (both in our early 60's have in the past year hiked the grand canyon, big bend national park, guadalupe national park. we are hiking the pecos wilderness over the 4th of july weekend. we do day hike up to 16 miles when we need a fix. the best suggestion i can give is know about your area, know the storm system and when those are worse, know your water source and carry enough water. especially train until you are in shape, including hiking in areas that increase in elevation. never under estimate your water requirements. it also helps to have the drink supplements that replace electrolyte loss. don't over estimate your abilities. have a great time. you will see things that most people never see.
2005 HITCHHIKER II UKTG 32.5
2005 FORD F350 PSD crew cab dualie long bed 4.10
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